Which windows?

waveneygnome

I am slowly (I've given myself 10yrs) renovating/salvaging an old brick built windmill tower in my back garden. I have now gained planning to convert it into a 2 bed annex to the house, with a complete row of windows around the top of the tower to let in light and a conical pithced roof.

My question is, which windows would people recommend I install around the top?

The height of the tower is 11m, circumference is 15m. Planning have restricted the height of the windows to be 600mm high.

My main concrens are:

a) future maintence - I'd love to go with wood windows, but the thought of having to paint them every 6-8yrs fills me with dread.
b) cleaning
c) potential condensation issues
d) achieveing a balanced look/sightlines

(The tower is not listed, nor in a conservation area - the planners have only asked for 'white windows' to contrast with the black tar on the outside of the tower).

So far I've looked at:

i) wooden sapele windows (quoted £12k fitted & painted)
ii) powder coated aluminium 'Beaumont' (quoted £2.8k for windows and £3k for round sill - fitted)
iii) uPVC (which I initially rejected due to the bulky frames) £3.5k fitted. Don't know the profile (didn't know there were different ones until I searched this site). Does anyone know of narrower profile uPVC frames? Can anyone suggest a supplier in Norfolk?

Cost is less of an issue - I'd rather spend a bit more and get the 'right' windows for the property.

Thanks WG

Atelier

It might be worth having a look at Andersen Windows www.andersenwindows.com They are from the US but are long established in the UK via the importer BlackMills.

These are modern double glazed windows but are a little different in that they have a low maintenance external and a wooden internal. The additional benefit is that they have a slim profile so can have a contemporary look if that is what you wish.

We got ours over 10 years ago and gave not have to do any maintenance externally.